Multi-Dimensional Location Of An Object Using Multiple Electrical Devices

ABSTRACT

A system for locating an object in a volume of space can include multiple electrical devices, where each electrical device includes a transceiver. The system can also include a controller communicably coupled to the electrical devices. The controller can instruct the electrical devices to broadcast, using the transceiver, multiple first signals in the volume of space. The controller can also collect data associated with multiple second signals received by the transceiver of the electrical devices, where the second signals are sent by the object in response to the first signals. The controller can further determine, using the data, a multi-dimensional location of the object in the volume of space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/501,479, titled“Multi-Dimensional Location of an Object Using Multiple Light Fixtures”and filed on May 4, 2017, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to locating objects in aspace, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices forlocating objects in a space using multiple electrical devices.

BACKGROUND

Different methods are used to locate an object within a volume of space.For example, when signals (e.g. radio frequency (RF) signals) areinvolved, the time of flight (ToF) of each signal can be measured tohelp determine the location of an object within a volume of space. Insuch cases, only a fixed number of channels are used. In addition, insuch cases, there is no acknowledgement or verification as to whether asignal was properly received. Further, embodiments currently usingsignals in the art to locate an object have difficulty determining atwo- or three-dimensional coordinate of the object.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system forlocating an object in a volume of space. The system can include multipleelectrical devices, where each electrical device includes a transceiver.The system can also include a controller communicably coupled to theelectrical devices. The controller can instruct the electrical devicesto broadcast, using the transceiver, multiple first signals in thevolume of space. The controller can also collect data associated withmultiple second signals received by the transceiver of the electricaldevices, where the second signals are sent by the object in response tothe first signals. The controller can further determine, using the data,a multi-dimensional location of the object in the volume of space.

In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to an objectlocated in a volume of space. The object can include a communicationmodule that is configured to receive a first signal from a firstelectrical device. The communication module can also be configured tointerpret the first signal. The communication module can further beconfigured to generate a second signal in response to the first signal,where the second signal includes an identification of the object and afirst time stamp. The communication module can also be configured tobroadcast the second signal to the electrical devices. The second signalcan be received by the first electrical device and ignored by a firstremainder of the electrical devices. The second signal can be used by acontroller coupled to the first electrical device to determine alocation of the object in the volume of space.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to acontroller used to locate an object in a volume of space. The controllercan include a control engine communicably coupled to multiple electricaldevices located in the volume of space. The control engine can instructa first electrical device to broadcast a first signal in the volume ofspace. The control engine can also receive first data associated with asecond signal from the first electrical device, where the second signalis sent by the object in response to the first signal. The controlengine can further instruct a second electrical device to broadcast athird signal in the volume of space. The control engine can also receivesecond data associated with a fourth signal from the second electricaldevice, where the fourth signal is sent by the object in response to thethird signal. The control engine can further determine, using the firstdata and the second data, a multi-dimensional location of the object inthe volume of space.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will beapparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments of multi-dimensionallocation of an object using multiple electrical devices and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, asmulti-dimensional location of an object using multiple electricaldevices may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elementsand features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions orpositioning may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, butnot necessarily identical, elements.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system that includes an electrical device inaccordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a computing device in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a side and top view, respectively, of a system inwhich an object is located in a volume of space in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows the system of FIGS. 3A and 3B when a signal is sent by onethe light fixtures in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows the system of FIGS. 3A-4 when a return signal is sent bythe object in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows the system of FIGS. 3A-4 when another signal is sent byanother of the light fixtures in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 7 shows the system of FIGS. 3A-4 when another return signal is sentby the object in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows the system of FIGS. 3A-4 when yet another signal is sent byanother of the light fixtures in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 9 shows the system of FIGS. 3A-4 when yet another return signal issent by the object in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a timeline of the various signals sent and received by thelight fixtures as shown in FIGS. 3A-9 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The example embodiments discussed herein are directed to systems,methods, and devices for multi-dimensional location of an object usingmultiple electrical devices. While example embodiments are describedherein as using multiple light fixtures to locate an object in a volumeof space, example embodiments can use one or more of a number of otherelectrical devices in addition to, or as an alternative to, lightfixtures. Such other electrical devices can include, but are not limitedto, a light switch, a control panel, a wall outlet, a smoke detector, aCO₂ monitor, a motion detector, a broken glass sensor, and a camera.

Further, while example embodiments use the trilateration method of ToF,which is described in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-10, todetermine the location of an object in a volume of space, other locationmethods, including but not limited to triangulation methods (e.g., Angleof Arrival, Angle of Departure), can be used with example embodiments.With triangulation, rather than measuring the distance and/or time thateach signal travels between an object and an antenna, the angle of thesignals is measured, and those angles are used to determine the locationof the object. Also, other trilateration methods, such as measuringdistance traveled by the signals traveling between an object and anantenna, can be used with example embodiments.

Example embodiments can be used for a volume of space having any sizeand/or located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous,non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, highvibration). Further, while signals described herein are radio frequency(RF) signals, example embodiments can be used with any of a number ofother types of signals, including but not limited to visible lightsignals, LiFi, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, ultraviolet waves, microwaves, andinfrared signals.

Example embodiments of electrical devices described herein can use oneor more of a number of different types of light sources, including butnot limited to light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, fluorescentlight sources, organic LED light sources, incandescent light sources,and halogen light sources. Therefore, electrical devices describedherein, even in hazardous locations, should not be considered limited toa particular type of light source.

A user may be any person that interacts with an electrical device and/orobject in a volume of space. Specifically, a user may program, operate,and/or interface with one or more components (e.g., a controller, anetwork manager) associated with a system using example embodiments.Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, anelectrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, anoperator, a consultant, a contractor, an asset, a network manager, and amanufacturer's representative.

As defined herein, an object can be any unit or group of units. Anobject can move on its own, is capable of being moved, or is stationary.Examples of an object can include, but are not limited to, a person(e.g., a user, a visitor, an employee), a part (e.g., a motor stator, acover), a piece of equipment (e.g., a fan, a container, a table, achair), or a group of parts of equipment (e.g., a pallet stacked withinventory).

Example embodiments provide a highly accurate two- or three-dimensionallocation of an object in a volume of space. Further, example embodimentscan provide high locational accuracy (as compared, for example, to usingRSSI (Receive Signal Strength Indicator)). In addition, exampleembodiments, provide a high level of data security if such security isdesired by a user. Example embodiments are also more reliable, using lowamounts of power on demand.

In certain example embodiments, electrical devices used formulti-dimensional location of an object are subject to meeting certainstandards and/or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code(NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), theInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the FederalCommunication Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as to electrical enclosures(e.g., light fixtures), wiring, and electrical connections. Use ofexample embodiments described herein meet (and/or allow a correspondingdevice to meet) such standards when required. In some (e.g., PV solar)applications, additional standards particular to that application may bemet by the electrical enclosures described herein.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown orlabeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component inanother figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if acomponent in a figure is labeled but not described, the description forsuch component can be substantially the same as the description for thecorresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for thevarious components in the figures herein is such that each component isa three digit number and corresponding components in other figures havethe identical last two digits. For any figure shown and describedherein, one or more of the components may be omitted, added, repeated,and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments shown in a particularfigure should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements ofcomponents shown in such figure.

Further, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in afigure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does notmean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable ofhaving such feature or component. For example, for purposes of presentor future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as notbeing included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particulardrawings is capable of being included in one or more claims thatcorrespond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of multi-dimensional location of an object usingmultiple electrical devices will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exampleembodiments of multi-dimensional location of an object using multipleelectrical devices are shown. Multi-dimensional location of an objectusing multiple electrical devices may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of multi-dimensional location of an object usingmultiple electrical devices to those or ordinary skill in the art. Like,but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes calledcomponents) in the various figures are denoted by like referencenumerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “within” are used merely todistinguish one component (or part of a component or state of acomponent) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preferenceor a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit embodiments ofmulti-dimensional location of an object using multiple electricaldevices. In the following detailed description of the exampleembodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownfeatures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilycomplicating the description.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a system 100 that includes multiple electricaldevices 102 in accordance with certain example embodiments. The system100 can include one or more objects 160, a user 150, a network manager180, and multiple electrical devices 102. Each electrical device 102(e.g., electrical device 102-1) can include a controller 104, one ormore optional antennae 175, an optional switch 145, a power supply 140,and a number of electrical device components 142. The controller 104 caninclude one or more of a number of components. Such components, caninclude, but are not limited to, a control engine 106, a communicationmodule 108, a timer 110, a power module 112, a storage repository 130, ahardware processor 120, a memory 122, a transceiver 124, an applicationinterface 126, and, optionally, a security module 128.

The components shown in FIG. 1 are not exhaustive, and in someembodiments, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1 may not beincluded in an example electrical device 102. Any component of theexample electrical device 102 can be discrete or combined with one ormore other components of the electrical device 102. For example, eachelectrical device 102 in the system 100 can have its own controller 104.Alternatively, one controller 104 can be used to control multipleelectrical devices 102 in the system.

The user 150 is the same as a user defined above. The user 150 can use auser system (not shown), which may include a display (e.g., a GUI). Theuser 150 interacts with (e.g., sends data to, receives data from) thecontroller 104 of an electrical device 102 via the application interface126 (described below). The user 150 can also interact with a networkmanager 180 and/or one or more of the objects 160. Interaction betweenthe user 150 and the electrical device 102, the network manager 180, andthe objects 160 is conducted using communication links 105.

Each communication link 105 can include wired (e.g., Class 1 electricalcables, Class 2 electrical cables, electrical connectors) and/orwireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking,Bluetooth, WirelessHART, ISA100, Power Line Carrier, RS485, DALI)technology. For example, a communication link 105 can be (or include)one or more electrical conductors that are coupled to the housing 103 ofan electrical device 102 and to the network manager 180. Thecommunication link 105 can transmit signals (e.g., power signals,communication signals, control signals, data) between the electricaldevices 102, the user 150, and the network manager 180. By contrast, theelectrical devices 102 of the system 100 can interact with the one ormore objects 160 using location signals 195, as discussed below. The oneor more objects 160 can communicate with the user 150 and/or the networkmanager 180 using the communication links 105.

The network manager 180 is a device or component that controls all or aportion of the system 100 that includes the controller 104 of at leastone of the electrical devices 102. The network manager 180 can besubstantially similar to the controller 104. Alternatively, the networkmanager 180 can include one or more of a number of features in additionto, or altered from, the features of the controller 104 described below.

The one or more objects 160 can be any of a number of people and/ordevices, as described above. Each object 160 can include a communicationdevice 190 (also sometimes called a tag, a beacon, or other name knownin the art, depending on the configuration of the communication device190), which can receive RF signals 195 from and subsequently send RFsignals 195 to multiple electrical devices 102. The communication device190 can include one or more of a number of components (e.g.,transceiver, antenna, switch, power module) and/or have thefunctionality described below with respect to a controller 104 and/or anassociated electrical device 102. For example, the communication device190 can include a control engine, a transceiver, and an antenna to allowthe communication device 190 to send and receive RF signals 195 with oneor more electrical devices 102 in the system 100.

Using example embodiments, the communication device 190 of the object160 can be in sleep mode for a predefined interval, at which point itstays awake for a period of time or until the communication device 190receives a RF signal 195 broadcast by one or more electrical devices102. When this occurs, the communication device 190 can turn on longenough to interpret the initial RF signal 195, and then generate andsend its own RF signal 195 to the electrical devices 102 in response tothe initial RF signal 195. This response RF signal 195 can include aUUID as well as a reference (e.g., signal code) to the initial RF signal195 and/or the electrical device 102 that sent the initial RF signal195. Once the response RF signal 195 is sent by the communication device190, the communication device 190 can go back into sleep mode, therebyreserving a considerable amount of power. In the current art, thecommunication device 190 of an object only transmits RF signals, wastingconsiderable amounts of energy (e.g., battery).

The communication device 190 can use one or more of a number ofcommunication protocols in sending and receiving the RF signals 195 withthe electrical devices 102. In certain example embodiments, an object160 can include a battery (a form of power supply or power module) thatis used to provide power, at least in part, to some or all of the restof the object 160.

The user 150, the network manager 180, and/or the other electricaldevices 102-N can interact with the controller 104 of the electricaldevice 102-1 using the application interface 126 in accordance with oneor more example embodiments. Specifically, the application interface 126of the controller 104 receives data (e.g., information, communications,instructions) from and sends data (e.g., information, communications,instructions) to the user 150, the network manager 180, and/or one ormore of the other electrical devices 102-N. The user 150, the networkmanager 180, and/or one or more of the other electrical devices 102-Ncan include an interface to receive data from and send data to thecontroller 104 in certain example embodiments. Examples of such aninterface can include, but are not limited to, a graphical userinterface, a touchscreen, an application programming interface, akeyboard, a monitor, a mouse, a web service, a data protocol adapter,some other hardware and/or software, or any suitable combinationthereof.

The controller 104, the user 150, the network manager 180, and/or one ormore of the other electrical devices 102-N can use their own system orshare a system in certain example embodiments. Such a system can be, orcontain a form of, an Internet-based or an intranet-based computersystem that is capable of communicating with various software. Acomputer system includes any type of computing device and/orcommunication device, including but not limited to the controller 104.Examples of such a system can include, but are not limited to, a desktopcomputer with a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN),Internet or intranet access, a laptop computer with LAN, WAN, Internetor intranet access, a smart phone, a server, a server farm, an androiddevice (or equivalent), a tablet, smartphones, and a personal digitalassistant (PDA). Such a system can correspond to a computer system asdescribed below with regard to FIG. 2.

Further, as discussed above, such a system can have correspondingsoftware (e.g., user software, controller software, network managersoftware). The software can execute on the same or a separate device(e.g., a server, mainframe, desktop personal computer (PC), laptop, PDA,television, cable box, satellite box, kiosk, telephone, mobile phone, orother computing devices) and can be coupled by the communication network(e.g., Internet, Intranet, Extranet, LAN, WAN, or other networkcommunication methods) and/or communication channels, with wire and/orwireless segments according to some example embodiments. The software ofone system can be a part of, or operate separately but in conjunctionwith, the software of another system within the system 100.

The electrical device 102-1 can include a housing 103. The housing 103can include at least one wall that forms a cavity 101. In some cases,the housing 103 can be designed to comply with any applicable standardsso that the electrical device 102-1 can be located in a particularenvironment (e.g., a hazardous environment). For example, if theelectrical device 102-1 is located in an explosive environment, thehousing 103 can be explosion-proof. According to applicable industrystandards, an explosion-proof enclosure is an enclosure that isconfigured to contain an explosion that originates inside, or canpropagate through, the enclosure.

The housing 103 of the electrical device 102-1 can be used to house oneor more components of the electrical device 102-1, including one or morecomponents of the controller 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, thecontroller 104 (which in this case includes the control engine 106, thecommunication module 108, the timer 110, the power module 112, thestorage repository 130, the hardware processor 120, the memory 122, thetransceiver 124, the application interface 126, and the optionalsecurity module 128), an optional switch 145, one or more optionalantennae 175, the power supply 140, and the electrical device components142 are disposed in the cavity 101 formed by the housing 103. Inalternative embodiments, any one or more of these or other components ofthe electrical device 102-1 can be disposed on the housing 103 and/orremotely from the housing 103.

The storage repository 130 can be a persistent storage device (or set ofdevices) that stores software and data used to assist the controller 104in communicating with the user 150, the network manager 180, one or moreof the objects 160, and one or more of the other electrical devices102-N within the system 100. In one or more example embodiments, thestorage repository 130 stores one or more protocols 132 and object data134. The protocols 132 can be any procedures (e.g., a series of methodsteps) and/or other similar operational procedures that the controlengine 106 of the controller 104 follows based on certain conditions ata point in time. The protocols 132 can also include any of a number ofcommunication protocols that are used to send and/or receive databetween the controller 104 and the user 150, the network manager 180,the one or more of the other electrical devices 102-N, and one or moreof the objects 160. One or more of the communication protocols 132 canbe a time-synchronized protocol. Examples of such time-synchronizedprotocols can include, but are not limited to, a highway addressableremote transducer (HART) protocol, a wirelessHART protocol, and anInternational Society of Automation (ISA) 100 protocol. In this way, oneor more of the communication protocols 132 can provide a layer ofsecurity to the data transferred within the system 100.

Object data 134 can be any data associated with each object 160 that iscommunicably coupled to the controller 104. Such data can include, butis not limited to, a manufacturer of the object 160, a model number ofthe object 160, communication capability of an object 160, last knownlocation of the object 160, and age of the object 160. Examples of astorage repository 130 can include, but are not limited to, a database(or a number of databases), a file system, a hard drive, flash memory,some other form of solid state data storage, or any suitable combinationthereof. The storage repository 130 can be located on multiple physicalmachines, each storing all or a portion of the protocols 132 and/or theobject data 134 according to some example embodiments. Each storage unitor device can be physically located in the same or in a differentgeographic location.

The storage repository 130 can be operatively connected to the controlengine 106. In one or more example embodiments, the control engine 106includes functionality to communicate with the user 150, the networkmanager 180, the objects 160, and the other electrical devices 102-N inthe system 100. More specifically, the control engine 106 sendsinformation to and/or receives information from the storage repository130 in order to communicate with the user 150, the network manager 180,the objects 160, and the other electrical devices 102-N. As discussedbelow, the storage repository 130 can also be operatively connected tothe communication module 108 in certain example embodiments.

In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 of the controller104 controls the operation of one or more components (e.g., thecommunication module 108, the timer 110, the transceiver 124) of thecontroller 104. For example, the control engine 106 can put thecommunication module 108 in “sleep” mode when there are nocommunications between the controller 104 and another component (e.g.,an object 160, the user 150) in the system 100 or when communicationsbetween the controller 104 and another component in the system 100follow a regular pattern. In such a case, power consumed by thecontroller 104 is conserved by only enabling the communication module108 when the communication module 108 is needed.

As another example, the control engine 106 can direct the timer 110 whento provide a current time, to begin tracking a time period, and/orperform another function within the capability of the timer 110. As yetanother example, the control engine 106 can direct the transceiver 124to send RF signals 195 and/or stop sending RF signals 195 to one or moreobjects 160 in the system 100. This example provides another instancewhere the control engine 106 can conserve power used by the controller104 and other components (e.g., the objects 160) of the system 100.

The control engine 106 can determine when to broadcast one or more RFsignals 195 in an attempt to locate an object 160. To conserve energy,the control engine 106 does not constantly broadcast RF signals 195, butrather only does so at discrete times. The control engine 106 canbroadcast a RF signal 195 based on one or more of a number of factors,including but not limited to passage of time, the occurrence of anevent, instructions from a user 150, and a command received from thenetwork manager 180. The control engine 106 can coordinate with thecontrollers 104 of one or more of the other electrical devices 102-Nand/or directly control one or more of the other electrical devices102-N to broadcast multiple RF signals 195. The control engine 106 canalso determine the ToF of one or more of the RF signals 195 that arebroadcast by the object 160 in response to the RF signal 195 broadcastby the electrical device 102-1.

In some cases, the control engine 106 of the electrical device 102-1(or, in some cases, the network manager 180 communicating with thecontroller 104) can locate the object 160 based on the multiple RFsignals 195 sent by the object 160 in response to the multiple RFsignals 195 broadcast by the electrical devices 102. To accomplish this,the control engine 106 obtains the multiple RF signals 195 (directlyand/or from another control engine 106 from one or more of the otherelectrical devices 102-N) broadcast by the object 160 and uses one ormore protocols 132 and/or algorithms (part of data stored in the storagerepository 130) to determine the multi-dimensional location of theobject 160.

For example, the protocols and/or algorithms used by the control engine106 can require the control engine 106 to determine the delta ToF ofeach RF signal 195 by determining exactly when each RF signal 195 wassent by the electrical devices and when each corresponding RF signal wasreceived by the electrical devices 102. Using values for the amount oftime the object 160 processes each RF signal 195 received and generateseach corresponding RF signal 195 in reply, as well as the known locationof each electrical device 102 that send and received RF signals 195, theprecise multi-dimensional location of an object 160 can be determined.

If two electrical devices 102 are used, and if each of those twoelectrical devices 102 have only a single communication point (e.g.,antenna 175), then a two-dimensional location of an object 160 can beobtained by the control engine 106. If three or more electrical devices102 are used, then a three-dimensional location of an object 160 can beobtained by the control engine 106. Similarly, if there are only twoelectrical devices 102 used, and if one or both of those electricaldevices have multiple communication points (e.g., antennae 175), thenthe location of the object 160 can be defined in three dimensions by thecontrol engine 106. An example of how this can work is provided belowwith respect to FIGS. 3A-6.

The control engine 106 can provide control, communication, and/or othersimilar signals to the user 150, the network manager 180, the otherelectrical devices 102-N, and one or more of the objects 160. Similarly,the control engine 106 can receive control, communication, and/or othersimilar signals from the user 150, the network manager 180, the otherelectrical devices 102-N, and one or more of the objects 160. Thecontrol engine 106 can communicate with each object 160 automatically(for example, based on one or more algorithms stored in the storagerepository 130) and/or based on control, communication, and/or othersimilar signals received from another device (e.g., the network manager180, another electrical device 102) using the RF signals 195. Thecontrol engine 106 may include a printed circuit board, upon which thehardware processor 120 and/or one or more discrete components of thecontroller 104 are positioned.

In certain example embodiments, the control engine 106 can include aninterface that enables the control engine 106 to communicate with one ormore components (e.g., power supply 140) of the electrical device 102-1.For example, if the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1operates under IEC Standard 62386, then the power supply 140 can includea digital addressable lighting interface (DALI). In such a case, thecontrol engine 106 can also include a DALI to enable communication withthe power supply 140 within the electrical device 102-1. Such aninterface can operate in conjunction with, or independently of, thecommunication protocols 132 used to communicate between the controller104 and the user 150, the network manager 180, the other electricaldevices 102-N, and the objects 160.

The control engine 106 (or other components of the controller 104) canalso include one or more hardware and/or software architecturecomponents to perform its functions. Such components can include, butare not limited to, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter(UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), a direct-attached capacity(DAC) storage device, an analog-to-digital converter, aninter-integrated circuit (I²C), and a pulse width modulator (PWM).

By using example embodiments, while at least a portion (e.g., thecontrol engine 106, the timer 110) of the controller 104 is always on,the remainder of the controller 104 and the objects 160 can be in sleepmode when they are not being used. In addition, the controller 104 cancontrol certain aspects (e.g., sending RF signals 195 to and receivingRF signals 195 from an object 160) of one or more other electricaldevices 102-N in the system 100.

The communication network (using the communication links 105) of thesystem 100 can have any type of network architecture. For example, thecommunication network of the system 100 can be a mesh network. Asanother example, the communication network of the system 100 can be astar network. When the controller 104 includes an energy storage device(e.g., a battery as part of the power module 112), even more power canbe conserved in the operation of the system 100. In addition, usingtime-synchronized communication protocols 132, the data transferredbetween the controller 104 and the user 150, the network manager 180,and the other electrical devices 102-N can be secure.

The communication module 108 of the controller 104 determines andimplements the communication protocol (e.g., from the protocols 132 ofthe storage repository 130) that is used when the control engine 106communicates with (e.g., sends signals to, receives signals from) theuser 150, the network manager 180, the other electrical devices 102-N,and/or one or more of the objects 160. In some cases, the communicationmodule 108 accesses the object data 134 to determine which communicationprotocol is within the capability of the object 160 for a RF signal 195sent by the control engine 106. In addition, the communication module108 can interpret the communication protocol of a communication (e.g., aRF signal 195) received by the controller 104 so that the control engine106 can interpret the communication.

The communication module 108 can send data (e.g., protocols 132, objectdata 134) directly to and/or retrieve data directly from the storagerepository 130. Alternatively, the control engine 106 can facilitate thetransfer of data between the communication module 108 and the storagerepository 130. The communication module 108 can also provide encryptionto data that is sent by the controller 104 and decryption to data thatis received by the controller 104. The communication module 108 can alsoprovide one or more of a number of other services with respect to datasent from and received by the controller 104. Such services can include,but are not limited to, data packet routing information and proceduresto follow in the event of data interruption.

The timer 110 of the controller 104 can track clock time, intervals oftime, an amount of time, and/or any other measure of time. The timer 110can also count the number of occurrences of an event, whether with orwithout respect to time. Alternatively, the control engine 106 canperform the counting function. The timer 110 is able to track multipletime measurements concurrently. The timer 110 can measure the ToF formultiple RF signals 195 simultaneously. The timer 110 can track timeperiods based on an instruction received from the control engine 106,based on an instruction received from the user 150, based on aninstruction programmed in the software for the controller 104, based onsome other condition or from some other component, or from anycombination thereof.

The power module 112 of the controller 104 provides power to one or moreother components (e.g., timer 110, control engine 106) of the controller104. In addition, in certain example embodiments, the power module 112can provide power to the power supply 140 of the electrical device 102.The power module 112 can include one or more of a number of single ormultiple discrete components (e.g., transistor, diode, resistor), and/ora microprocessor. The power module 112 may include a printed circuitboard, upon which the microprocessor and/or one or more discretecomponents are positioned.

The power module 112 can include one or more components (e.g., atransformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receivespower (for example, through an electrical cable) from a source externalto the electrical device 102 and generates power of a type (e.g.,alternating current, direct current) and level (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V)that can be used by the other components of the controller 104 and/or bythe power supply 140. In addition, or in the alternative, the powermodule 112 can be a source of power in itself to provide signals to theother components of the controller 104 and/or the power supply 140. Forexample, the power module 112 can be a battery. As another example, thepower module 112 can be a localized photovoltaic power system.

The hardware processor 120 of the controller 104 executes software inaccordance with one or more example embodiments. Specifically, thehardware processor 120 can execute software on the control engine 106 orany other portion of the controller 104, as well as software used by theuser 150, the network manager 180, and/or one or more of the otherelectrical devices 102-N. The hardware processor 120 can be anintegrated circuit, a central processing unit, a multi-core processingchip, a multi-chip module including multiple multi-core processingchips, or other hardware processor in one or more example embodiments.The hardware processor 120 is known by other names, including but notlimited to a computer processor, a microprocessor, and a multi-coreprocessor.

In one or more example embodiments, the hardware processor 120 executessoftware instructions stored in memory 122. The memory 122 includes oneor more cache memories, main memory, and/or any other suitable type ofmemory. The memory 122 is discretely located within the controller 104relative to the hardware processor 120 according to some exampleembodiments. In certain configurations, the memory 122 can be integratedwith the hardware processor 120.

In certain example embodiments, the controller 104 does not include ahardware processor 120. In such a case, the controller 104 can include,as an example, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one ormore insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), and/or one or moreintegrated circuits (ICs). Using FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or other similardevices known in the art allows the controller 104 (or portions thereof)to be programmable and function according to certain logic rules andthresholds without the use of a hardware processor. Alternatively,FPGAs, IGBTs, ICs, and/or similar devices can be used in conjunctionwith one or more hardware processors 120.

The transceiver 124 of the controller 104 can send and/or receivecontrol and/or communication signals. Specifically, the transceiver 124can be used to transfer data between the controller 104 and the user150, the network manager 180, the other electrical devices 102-N, and/orthe objects 160. The transceiver 124 can use wired and/or wirelesstechnology. The transceiver 124 can be configured in such a way that thecontrol and/or communication signals sent and/or received by thetransceiver 124 can be received and/or sent by another transceiver thatis part of the user 150, the network manager 180, the other electricaldevices 102-N, and/or the objects 160.

When the transceiver 124 uses wireless technology, any type of wirelesstechnology can be used by the transceiver 124 in sending and receivingsignals. Such wireless technology can include, but is not limited to,Wi-Fi, visible light communication, cellular networking, and Bluetooth.The transceiver 124 can use one or more of any number of suitablecommunication protocols (e.g., ISA100, HART) when sending and/orreceiving signals, including RF signals 195. Such communicationprotocols can be stored in the protocols 132 of the storage repository130. Further, any transceiver information for the user 150, the networkmanager 180, the other electrical devices 102-N, and/or the objects 160can be part of the object data 134 (or similar areas) of the storagerepository 130.

Optionally, in one or more example embodiments, the security module 128secures interactions between the controller 104, the user 150, thenetwork manager 180, the other electrical devices 102-N, and/or theobjects 160. More specifically, the security module 128 authenticatescommunication from software based on security keys verifying theidentity of the source of the communication. For example, user softwaremay be associated with a security key enabling the software of the user150 to interact with the controller 104 of the electrical device 102-1.Further, the security module 128 can restrict receipt of information,requests for information, and/or access to information in some exampleembodiments.

As mentioned above, aside from the controller 104 and its components,the electrical device 102-1 can include a power supply 140 and one ormore electrical device components 142. The electrical device components142 of the electrical device 102-1 are devices and/or componentstypically found in the electrical device 102-1 to allow the electricaldevice 102-1 to operate. An electrical device component 142 can beelectrical, electronic, mechanical, or any combination thereof. Theelectrical device 102-1 can have one or more of any number and/or typeof electrical device components 142. For example, when the electricaldevice 102-1 is a light fixture, examples of such electrical devicecomponents 142 can include, but are not limited to, a light source, alight engine, a heat sink, an electrical conductor or electrical cable,a terminal block, a lens, a diffuser, a reflector, an air moving device,a baffle, a dimmer, and a circuit board.

The power supply 140 of the electrical device 102-1 provides power toone or more of the electrical device components 142. The power supply140 can be substantially the same as, or different than, the powermodule 112 of the controller 104. The power supply 140 can include oneor more of a number of single or multiple discrete components (e.g.,transistor, diode, resistor), and/or a microprocessor. The power supply140 may include a printed circuit board, upon which the microprocessorand/or one or more discrete components are positioned.

The power supply 140 can include one or more components (e.g., atransformer, a diode bridge, an inverter, a converter) that receivespower (for example, through an electrical cable) from or sends power tothe power module 112 of the controller 104. The power supply cangenerate power of a type (e.g., alternating current, direct current) andlevel (e.g., 12V, 24V, 120V) that can be used by the recipients (e.g.,the electrical device components 142, the controller 106) of such power.In addition, or in the alternative, the power supply 140 can receivepower from a source external to the electrical device 102-1. Inaddition, or in the alternative, the power supply 140 can be a source ofpower in itself. For example, the power supply 140 can be a battery, alocalized photovoltaic power system, or some other source of independentpower.

As discussed above, the electrical device 102 can include one or moreantennae 175. An antenna 175 is an electrical device that convertselectrical power to RF signals 195 (for transmitting) and RF signals 195to electrical power (for receiving). In transmission, a radiotransmitter (e.g., transceiver 124) supplies, through the optionalswitch 145 when multiple antenna 175 are involved, an electric currentoscillating at radio frequency (i.e. a high frequency alternatingcurrent (AC)) to the terminals of the antenna 175, and the antenna 175radiates the energy from the current as RF signals 195. In reception, anantenna 175, when included in the electrical device 102, intercepts someof the power of RF signals 195 in order to produce a tiny voltage at itsterminals, that is applied to a receiver (e.g., transceiver 124), insome cases through an optional switch 145, to be amplified.

An antenna 175 can typically consist of an arrangement of electricalconductors that are electrically connected to each other (often througha transmission line) to create a body of the antenna 175. The body ofthe antenna 175 is electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. Anoscillating current of electrons forced through the body of an antenna175 by the transceiver 124 will create an oscillating magnetic fieldaround the body, while the charge of the electrons also creates anoscillating electric field along the body of the antenna 175. Thesetime-varying fields radiate away from the antenna 175 into space as amoving transverse RF signal 195 (often an electromagnetic field wave).Conversely, during reception, the oscillating electric and magneticfields of an incoming RF signal 195 exert force on the electrons in thebody of the antenna 175, causing portions of the body of the antenna 175to move back and forth, creating oscillating currents in the antenna175.

In certain example embodiments, an antenna 175 can be disposed at,within, or on any portion of the electrical device 102. For example, anantenna 175 can be disposed on the housing 103 of the electrical device102 and extend away from the electrical device 102. As another example,an antenna 175 can be insert molded into a lens of the electrical device102. As another example, an antenna 175 can be two-shot injection moldedinto the housing 103 of the electrical device 102. As yet anotherexample, an antenna 175 can be adhesive mounted onto the housing 103 ofthe electrical device 102. As still another example, an antenna 175 canbe pad printed onto a circuit board within the cavity 101 formed by thehousing 103 of the electrical device 102. As yet another example, anantenna 175 can be a chip ceramic antenna that is surface mounted. Asstill another example, an antenna 175 can be a wire antenna.

When there are multiple antennae 175 (or other forms of multiplecommunication points) as part of the electrical device 102, there canalso be an optional switch 145, which allows for selection of onecommunication point at a given point in time. In such a case, eachantenna 175 can be electrically coupled to the switch 145, which in turnis electrically coupled to the transceiver 124. The optional switch 145can be a single switch device or a number of switch devices arranged inseries and/or in parallel with each other. The switch 145 determineswhich antenna 175 is coupled to the transceiver 124 at any particularpoint in time. A switch 145 can have one or more contacts, where eachcontact has an open state (position) and a closed state (position).

In the open state, a contact of the switch 145 creates an open circuit,which prevents the transceiver 124 from delivering a RF signal 195 to orreceiving a RF signal 195 from the antenna 175 electrically coupled tothat contact of the switch 145. In the closed state, a contact of theswitch 145 creates a closed circuit, which allows the transceiver 124 todeliver a RF signal 195 to or receive a RF signal 195 from the antenna175 electrically coupled to that contact of the switch 145. In certainexample embodiments, the position of each contact of the switch 145 iscontrolled by the control engine 106 of the controller 104.

If the switch 145 is a single device, the switch 145 can have multiplecontacts. In any case, only one contact of the switch 145 can be active(closed) at any point in time in certain example embodiments.Consequently, when one contact of the switch 145 is closed, all othercontacts of the switch 145 are open in such example embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 218 thatimplements one or more of the various techniques described herein, andwhich is representative, in whole or in part, of the elements describedherein pursuant to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, computingdevice 218 can be implemented in the electrical device 102-1 of FIG. 1in the form of the hardware processor 120, the memory 122, and thestorage repository 130, among other components. Computing device 218 isone example of a computing device and is not intended to suggest anylimitation as to scope of use or functionality of the computing deviceand/or its possible architectures. Neither should computing device 218be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to anyone or combination of components illustrated in the example computingdevice 218.

Computing device 218 includes one or more processors or processing units214, one or more memory/storage components 215, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 216, and a bus 217 that allows the various components anddevices to communicate with one another. Bus 217 represents one or moreof any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus ormemory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and aprocessor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Bus217 includes wired and/or wireless buses.

Memory/storage component 215 represents one or more computer storagemedia. Memory/storage component 215 includes volatile media (such asrandom access memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and soforth). Memory/storage component 215 includes fixed media (e.g., RAM,ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a Flashmemory drive, a removable hard drive, an optical disk, and so forth).

One or more I/O devices 216 allow a customer, utility, or other user toenter commands and information to computing device 218, and also allowinformation to be presented to the customer, utility, or other userand/or other components or devices. Examples of input devices include,but are not limited to, a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a touchscreen, and a scanner. Examples of outputdevices include, but are not limited to, a display device (e.g., amonitor or projector), speakers, outputs to a lighting network (e.g.,DMX card), a printer, and a network card.

Various techniques are described herein in the general context ofsoftware or program modules. Generally, software includes routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Animplementation of these modules and techniques are stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media is any available non-transitory medium or non-transitorymedia that is accessible by a computing device. By way of example, andnot limitation, computer readable media includes “computer storagemedia”.

“Computer storage media” and “computer readable medium” include volatileand non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, computerrecordable media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which is used tostore the desired information and which is accessible by a computer.

The computer device 218 is connected to a network (not shown) (e.g., aLAN, a WAN such as the Internet, or any other similar type of network)via a network interface connection (not shown) according to someexemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatmany different types of computer systems exist (e.g., desktop computer,a laptop computer, a personal media device, a mobile device, such as acell phone or personal digital assistant, or any other computing systemcapable of executing computer readable instructions), and theaforementioned input and output means take other forms, now known orlater developed, in other exemplary embodiments. Generally speaking, thecomputer system 218 includes at least the minimal processing, input,and/or output means necessary to practice one or more embodiments.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreelements of the aforementioned computer device 218 is located at aremote location and connected to the other elements over a network incertain exemplary embodiments. Further, one or more embodiments isimplemented on a distributed system having one or more nodes, where eachportion of the implementation (e.g., control engine 106) is located on adifferent node within the distributed system. In one or moreembodiments, the node corresponds to a computer system. Alternatively,the node corresponds to a processor with associated physical memory insome exemplary embodiments. The node alternatively corresponds to aprocessor with shared memory and/or resources in some exemplaryembodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a side and top view, respectively, of a system 300in which an object 360 is located in volume of space 399 in accordancewith certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-3B, also locatedin the volume of space 399 of FIGS. 3A and 3B are three light fixtures302 (specifically, light fixture 302-1, light fixture 302-2, and lightfixture 302-3), where the light fixtures 302 are types of electricaldevices 102 of FIG. 1 above. As discussed above, the volume of space 399can be of any size and/or in any location. For example, the volume ofspace 399 can be a room in an office building.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, all of the light fixtures 302 can belocated in the volume of space 399. Alternatively, one or more of thelight fixtures 302 can be located outside the volume of space 399, aslong as the RF signals (e.g., RF signals 195) sent by the transceiver124 of the light fixture 302 are received by the object 360, and as longas the RF signals sent by the object 360 are received by the transceiver124 of the light fixture 302, as applicable.

FIG. 4 shows the system 400 of FIGS. 3A and 3B when RF signal 495 issent by one of the light fixtures 302 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, light fixture 302-1 broadcasts RFsignal 495. Each light fixture 302 has a broadcast range 482. In thiscase, light fixture 302-1 has broadcast range 482-1, light fixture 302-2has broadcast range 482-2, and light fixture 302-3 has broadcast range482-3. Since the object 360 is located within the broadcast range 482-1for light fixture 302-1, the object 360 receives RF signal 495.

FIG. 5 shows the system 500 of FIGS. 3A-4 when RF signal 595 is sent bythe object 360 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referringto FIGS. 1-5, the RF signal 595 sent by the object 360 is in response tothe RF signal 495 sent by light fixture 302-1, as shown in FIG. 4. Asshown in FIG. 5, the object 360 broadcasts RF signal 595, which isreceived by all three light fixtures 302. As discussed above, the RFsignal 595 broadcast by the object 360 can include the UUID of theobject 360 as well as other code, such as identifying information of thelight fixture 302-1 that sent the RF signal 495 that prompts generationof the signal 595 by the object 360.

The object 360 has a broadcast range 582, and all three of the lightfixtures 302 are located within the broadcast range 582 of the object360, FIG. 5 shows that all three of the light fixtures 302 receive RFsignal 595. Because of the code identifying light fixture 302-1 in theRF signal 595, light fixture 302-1 receives and processes RF signal 595,while light fixture 302-2 and light fixture 302-3 ignore RF signal 595.Upon receiving RF signal 595, a total time (the time of flight) can bemeasured from when RF signal 495 was sent by light fixture 302-1 andwhen RF signal 595 was received by light fixture 302-1.

FIG. 6 shows the system 600 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, at some point later intime relative to FIGS. 4 and 5, when RF signal 695 is sent by anotherone of the light fixtures 302 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, light fixture 302-2 broadcasts RFsignal 695. Since the object 360 is located within the broadcast range482-2 for light fixture 302-2, the object 360 receives RF signal 695.

FIG. 7 shows the system 700 of FIGS. 3A-6 when RF signal 795 is sent bythe object 360 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referringto FIGS. 1-7, the RF signal 795 sent by the object 360 is in response tothe RF signal 695 sent by light fixture 302-2, as shown in FIG. 6. Asshown in FIG. 7, the object 360 broadcasts RF signal 795, which isreceived by all three light fixtures 302. As discussed above, the RFsignal 795 broadcast by the object 360 can include the UUID of theobject 360 as well as other code, such as identifying information of thelight fixture 302-2 that sent the RF signal 695 that prompts generationof the signal 795 by the object 360.

As stated above, the object 360 has a broadcast range 582, and all threeof the light fixtures 302 are located within the broadcast range 582 ofthe object 360, FIG. 7 shows that all three of the light fixtures 302receive RF signal 795. Because of the code identifying light fixture302-2 in the RF signal 795, light fixture 302-2 receives and processesRF signal 795, while light fixture 302-1 and light fixture 302-3 ignoreRF signal 795. Upon receiving RF signal 795, a total time (the time offlight) can be measured from when RF signal 695 was sent by lightfixture 302-2 and when RF signal 795 was received by light fixture302-2.

FIG. 8 shows the system 800 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, at some point later intime relative to FIGS. 4 and 5, when RF signal 895 is sent by anotherone of the light fixtures 302 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, light fixture 302-3 broadcasts RFsignal 895. Since the object 360 is located within the broadcast range482-3 for light fixture 302-3, the object 360 receives RF signal 895.

FIG. 9 shows the system 900 of FIGS. 3A-8 when RF signal 995 is sent bythe object 360 in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referringto FIGS. 1-9, the RF signal 995 sent by the object 360 is in response tothe RF signal 895 sent by light fixture 302-3, as shown in FIG. 8. Asshown in FIG. 9, the object 360 broadcasts RF signal 995, which isreceived by all three light fixtures 302. As discussed above, the RFsignal 995 broadcast by the object 360 can include the UUID of theobject 360 as well as other code, such as identifying information of thelight fixture 302-3 that sent the RF signal 895 that prompts generationof the signal 995 by the object 360.

As stated above, the object 360 has a broadcast range 582, and all threeof the light fixtures 302 are located within the broadcast range 582 ofthe object 360, FIG. 9 shows that all three of the light fixtures 302receive RF signal 995. Because of the code identifying light fixture302-3 in the RF signal 995, light fixture 302-3 receives and processesRF signal 995, while light fixture 302-1 and light fixture 302-2 ignoreRF signal 995. Upon receiving RF signal 995, a total time (the time offlight) can be measured from when RF signal 895 was sent by lightfixture 302-3 and when RF signal 995 was received by light fixture302-3.

In some cases, the order in which the various RF signals shown in FIGS.4-9 can vary. For example, light fixture 302-3 can broadcast RF signal895 before light fixture 302-1 broadcasts RF signal 495. As anotherexample, light fixture 302-2 can broadcast RF signal 695 after lightfixture 302-1 broadcasts RF signal 495 but before object 360 broadcastsRF signal 595 in response to RF signal 495.

When using trilateration methods, by using the ToF for each of the threeRF signal pairs (in this case, RF signal 495 and RF signal 595, RFsignal 695 and RF signal 795, and RF signal 895 and RF signal 995) andone or more algorithms in the storage repository 130, thethree-dimensional location of the object 360 can be determined. If onlytwo of the RF signal pairs is used, then the two-dimensional location ofthe object 360 can be determined.

As stated above, each light fixture 302 can have a controller (e.g.,controller 104) that communicates with the controllers of the otherlight fixtures 302 to determine the multi-dimensional location of theobject 360 in the volume of space 399. In such a case, a controller ofone of the light fixtures 302 can gather the information (e.g., ToF)associated with the signal pairs and determine the multi-dimensionallocation of the object 360. Alternatively, the network manager 180 cangather the information received by each of the light sources 302 todetermine the multi-dimensional location of the object 360.

In yet another alternative, if only one of the light fixtures (e.g.,light fixture 302-2) has a controller, the three RF signals broadcast bythe object 360 can be received and processed by that light fixture. Inany case, one or more protocols (e.g., protocols 132) and/or one or morealgorithms can be used to determine the multi-dimensional location ofthe object 360.

FIG. 10 shows a timeline 1089 of the various RF signals (e.g., RF signal495, RF signal 595) transmitted between the light fixtures 302 and theobject 360 as shown in FIGS. 3A-9 in accordance with certain exampleembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-10, the timeline 1089 of FIG. 10 showshow the delta ToF of each signal can be used to determine themulti-dimensional location of the object 360. The timeline 1089 of FIG.10 shows a number of events over time 1092. In this case, T1 representsthe time at which light fixture 302-1 broadcasts RF signal 495. T2represents the time at which light fixture 302-1 receives and processesRF signal 595 broadcast by the object 360. T3 represents the time atwhich light fixture 302-2 broadcasts RF signal 695. T4 represents thetime at which light fixture 302-2 receives and processes RF signal 795broadcast by the object 360. T5 represents the time at which lightfixture 302-3 broadcasts RF signal 895. T6 represents the time at whichlight fixture 302-3 receives and processes RF signal 995 broadcast bythe object 360.

A timer (e.g., timer 110) can be used to mark each of these times and/orto establish the time of each RF signal pair. A control engine (e.g.,control engine 106) of a controller (e.g., controller 104) of one ormore light fixtures 302 can have access (via a storage repository 130)to any information (e.g., times measured by the timer 110; the amount oftime for the object 360 to receive RF signal 495, process RF signal 495,generate a response RF signal 595, and send the RF signal 595;algorithms that use the measured and assumed data) needed to determinethe multi-dimensional location of the object 360 in the volume of space399.

In certain example embodiments, the timer (e.g., timer 110) creates atime stamp associated with each RF signal 195 that is sent and/orreceived by a light fixture. Similarly, the communication device 190 ofan object 160 can, additionally or alternatively, have a timer thatcreates a time stamp for each RF signal 195 that the communicationdevice 190 broadcasts. In this way, using the time stamps of the variousRF signals 195, a control engine (e.g., of the network manager 180, of acontroller 104 of a light fixture 102) can calculate the ToF of a RFsignal pair. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatthere are other ways that a timer can be used to help determine the ToFof a RF signal or pair of RF signals.

In one or more example embodiments, multiple electrical devices (e.g.,light fixtures) use transceivers (rather than merely transmitters) tosend out RF signals, the response to which from the object are used todetermine the multi-dimensional location of the object in a volume ofspace. If two electrical devices are used, and if each electrical deviceincludes only one communication point (e.g., antenna), then the locationof the object can be defined in two dimensions. If three or moreelectrical devices are used, the location of the object can be definedin three dimensions. Alternatively, if there are only two electricaldevices used, and if one or both of those electrical devices havemultiple communication points (e.g., antennae), then the location of theobject can be defined in three dimensions. Example embodiments canprovide real-time location of an object in volume of space. Usingexample embodiments described herein can improve communication, safety,maintenance, costs, and operating efficiency.

Accordingly, many modifications and other embodiments set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which multi-dimensionallocation of an object using multiple light fixtures pertain having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood thatmulti-dimensional location of an object using multiple light fixturesare not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and thatmodifications and other embodiments are intended to be included withinthe scope of this application. Although specific terms are employedherein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and notfor purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for locating an object in a volume ofspace, comprising: a plurality of electrical devices, wherein eachelectrical device of the plurality of electrical devices comprises atransceiver; and a controller communicably coupled to the plurality ofelectrical devices, wherein the controller: instructs the plurality ofelectrical devices to broadcast, using the transceiver, a plurality offirst signals in the volume of space; collects data associated with aplurality of second signals received by the transceiver of the pluralityof electrical devices, wherein the plurality of second signals is sentby the object in response to the plurality of first signals; anddetermines, using the data, a multi-dimensional location of the objectin the volume of space.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: anetwork manager communicably coupled to the controller, wherein thenetwork manager controls the controller.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of electrical devices comprises a light fixture.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first signals and theplurality of second signals are radio frequency signals.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the controller determines the multi-dimensionallocation of the object in the volume of space by calculating a deltatime of flight of each second signal of the plurality of second signalsand each associated first signal of the plurality of first signals. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of electrical devicelocations of the plurality of electrical devices is known by thecontroller.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofelectrical devices consists of a first electrical device and a secondelectrical device, wherein the multi-dimensional location of the objectis determined by the controller in two dimensions.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical devices comprises at leastthree electrical devices, wherein the multi-dimensional location of theobject is determined by the controller in three dimensions.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each second signal of the plurality of secondsignals comprises a first identification of the object.
 10. The systemof claim 9, wherein each first signal of the plurality of first signalscomprises a second identification of an electrical device of theplurality of electrical devices.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is part of an electrical device of the plurality ofelectrical devices.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller isamong a plurality of controllers communicably coupled to each other. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a timer thatcreates a time stamp for each of the plurality of second signalsreceived by the transceiver.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein at leastone of the plurality of electrical devices comprises at least oneantenna coupled to the transceiver.
 15. The system of claim 14, whereinthe at least one of the plurality of electrical devices furthercomprises a switch coupled to the at least one antenna.
 16. An objectlocated in a volume of space, comprising: a communication moduleconfigured to: receive a first signal from a first electrical device ofa plurality of electrical devices; interpret the first signal; generatea second signal in response to the first signal, wherein the secondsignal comprises an identification of the object and a first time stamp;and broadcast the second signal to the plurality of electrical devices,wherein the second signal is received by the first electrical device andignored by a first remainder of the plurality of electrical devices,wherein the second signal is used by a controller coupled to the firstelectrical device to determine a location of the object in the volume ofspace.
 17. The object of claim 16, wherein the communication module isfurther configured to: receive a third signal from a second electricaldevice of a plurality of electrical devices; interpret the third signal;generate a fourth signal in response to the third signal, wherein thefourth signal comprises the identification of the object and a secondtime stamp; and broadcast the fourth signal to the plurality ofelectrical devices, wherein the fourth signal is received by the secondelectrical device and ignored by a second remainder of the plurality ofelectrical devices, wherein the fourth signal is used by the controllercoupled to the second electrical device to determine the location of theobject in the volume of space.
 18. The object of claim 17, wherein thecommunication module is further configured to: receive a fifth signalfrom a second electrical device of a plurality of electrical devices;interpret the fifth signal; generate a sixth signal in response to thefifth signal, wherein the sixth signal comprises the identification ofthe object and a third time stamp; and broadcast the sixth signal to theplurality of electrical devices, wherein the sixth signal is received bythe third electrical device and ignored by a third remainder of theplurality of electrical devices, wherein the sixth signal is used by thecontroller coupled to the third electrical device to determine thelocation of the object in the volume of space.
 19. A controller used tolocate an object in a volume of space, the controller comprising: acontrol engine communicably coupled to a plurality of electrical deviceslocated in the volume of space, wherein the control engine: instructs afirst electrical device of a plurality of electrical devices tobroadcast a first signal in the volume of space; receives first dataassociated with a second signal from the first electrical device of theplurality of electrical devices, wherein the second signal is sent bythe object in response to the first signal; instructs a secondelectrical device of the plurality of electrical devices to broadcast athird signal in the volume of space; receives second data associatedwith a fourth signal from the second electrical device of the pluralityof electrical devices, wherein the fourth signal is sent by the objectin response to the third signal; and determines, using the first dataand the second data, a multi-dimensional location of the object in thevolume of space.
 20. The controller of claim 19, wherein the controlengine further: instructs a third electrical device of the plurality ofelectrical devices to broadcast a fifth signal in the volume of space;receives third data associated with a sixth signal from the thirdelectrical device of the plurality of electrical devices, wherein thesixth signal is sent by the object in response to the fifth signal; anddetermines, using the first data, the second data, and the third data, athree-dimensional location of the object in the volume of space.